From the statements given below, what is true about the Gothic Novel?

A. It appeared in 14th Century American Literature.
B. It often uses the medieval form of architecture as setting.
C. It is a form of baroque art.
D. It represents a style of mosaic and fresco wall painting.
E. It aims at evoking chilling terror by exploiting mystery and a variety of horrors.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

Explanation:

The correct answer is B and E only.

B. It often uses the medieval form of architecture as setting.

- One of the defining features of Gothic novels is their use of medieval architecture in the setting.

- These novels often take place in castles, abbeys, and ruins that evoke the medieval period.

- The use of Gothic-style architecture serves as an important backdrop that heightens the atmosphere of mystery, decay, and supernatural events, which are key elements of the genre.

E. It aims at evoking chilling terror by exploiting mystery and a variety of horrors.

- The Gothic novel is primarily concerned with evoking terror, mystery, and horror.

- These novels often include supernatural elements, haunting settings, and atmospheric tension to create an experience of chilling terror.

- Works such as Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein use mystery, suspense, and horror to captivate the reader and create a sense of dread.

Information Booster: 

Gothic Novels and Their Use of Medieval Architecture:

- The medieval form of architecture is central to the Gothic genre.

- Famous works like The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole and The Monk by Matthew Lewis employ medieval settings such as ancient castles and monasteries to enhance the eerie atmosphere.

- These settings are typically isolated and decaying, which makes them perfect for stories filled with mystery and supernatural events.

- The architecture symbolizes the decay of society and often represents the internal decay of the characters themselves.

- Gothic novels focus on the emotional extremes of characters, often placing them in isolating settings such as ruins or haunted mansions, where they confront evil forces, ghosts, or unsolved mysteries.

- The novels are designed to evoke terror, not just through the supernatural, but also through the exploration of psychological horror.

- Edgar Allan Poe’s works, like The Tell-Tale Heart, for example, showcase psychological terror alongside the mystical and mysterious elements of Gothic literature.